The Cardiovascular
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IV drip rate (gtt/min)

Manual infusion rate from volume, time and tubing drop factor.

IV drip rate (gtt/min)
Volume to infuse
mL
Infusion time
min
Tubing drop factor
Printed on the giving-set package.
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Setting a gravity infusion by hand when no volumetric pump is available.

Formula

Drip rate (gtt/min) = volume (mL) x drop factor (gtt/mL) / time (min).

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Confirm the drop factor on the actual tubing; sets vary from 10 to 60 gtt/mL.
  • Microdrip (60 gtt/mL) is preferred for low-rate or paediatric infusions.

References

  1. Standard gravity-infusion drop-rate relationship (drops = volume x drop factor / time).